Alyssa Lane
Travel insurance is an important consideration for anyone planning a trip, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. A pre-existing condition is typically defined as any injury, illness, or medical issue that was diagnosed, treated, or showed symptoms before your travel insurance policy went into effect. This includes chronic illnesses that may flare up during your trip, such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Most travel insurance providers exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions, but some offer waivers or specialised plans that provide coverage for these situations. It is crucial to carefully review the requirements and exclusions of your travel insurance policy to ensure you are protected in case of any medical emergencies during your trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Any illness, injury, or medical condition that you—or a traveling companion—were diagnosed with, treated for, or showed symptoms of before your travel insurance policy went into effect. |
| Pre-existing conditions covered | Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard, Seven Corners, Berkshire Hathaway, WorldTrips |
| Pre-existing conditions not covered | Mental and nervous health disorders, normal pregnancy |
| Lookback period | 60, 90, or 180 days before your policy purchase date |
| Requirements | Purchase your policy early, be medically stable when you buy the plan, be fit to travel |
| Other types of travel insurance | Trip cancellation or travel disruption insurance, travel health insurance, medical evacuation insurance |
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What You'll Learn
What is a pre-existing medical condition?
Travel insurance is important, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition. A pre-existing medical condition is typically defined as any injury, illness, or medical condition that you or your travelling companion were diagnosed with, treated for, or showed symptoms of before your travel insurance policy went into effect. It is important to note that the illness, injury, or medical condition does not need to be formally diagnosed to be considered pre-existing. For example, if you consulted your doctor about knee twinges three months before your trip, and you had to cancel your planned trekking tour due to sudden, debilitating pain in your knee, it would be considered a pre-existing condition.
Insurers use a "lookback period" to determine whether a condition is considered pre-existing. This is usually a window of time, commonly 60, 90, or 180 days before your policy purchase date. If your condition was diagnosed, treated, or changed during that time, it may be classified as pre-existing. For example, if you were diagnosed with coronary heart disease three weeks before purchasing travel insurance, and then suffered a mild heart attack while on your trip, this would be considered a pre-existing condition.
Most pre-existing conditions are covered by travel insurance plans, but there are some exceptions. Mental and nervous health disorders and normal pregnancy are usually not covered. If you want to make sure your particular condition is covered, it is important to speak with an insurance specialist before purchasing a plan. Additionally, some plans have higher reimbursement limits, longer eligibility windows, and shorter lookback periods, so it is important to carefully read the policies of different insurance providers to find the best option for your needs.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is important to purchase travel insurance early, as some plans offer a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver if the insurance is purchased within a certain time frame after the initial trip deposit date. This waiver may also be available if you meet certain criteria, such as being medically stable and fit to travel when purchasing the plan. By purchasing travel insurance with a pre-existing medical condition exclusion waiver, you can ensure that you are protected in case something related to your ongoing condition impacts your trip.
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How do you get travel insurance with a pre-existing condition?
In travel insurance, a pre-existing condition is typically defined as any illness, injury, or medical issue that a policyholder has experienced symptoms of, prompting them to seek treatment and take medication before purchasing coverage. Insurers use a lookback period to determine whether a condition is considered pre-existing. This is usually a window of 60 to 180 days before your policy purchase date. If your condition was diagnosed, treated, or changed during that time, it may be classified as pre-existing.
If you have a pre-existing condition, it is still possible to obtain travel insurance. Certain travel insurance plans offer pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, which means the insurance company cannot examine your recent medical records when reviewing a medical claim. To qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, you typically need to meet a few key requirements:
- Purchase your policy early, usually within 10 to 21 days of your initial trip payment.
- Be medically stable when you buy the plan, meaning there haven't been recent changes in your condition, treatment, or medications.
- Be physically fit to travel at the time you purchase insurance, which will need to be confirmed by a doctor.
It is important to note that not all insurance companies offer policies with exclusion waivers, and there may be certain conditions that are not covered, such as mental and nervous health disorders and normal pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read the insurance policy documents to ensure you meet all the requirements and understand the coverage provided.
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What is a 'lookback period' in travel insurance?
A "look-back period" refers to the period during which a travel insurance provider can review your medical history to determine whether a medical condition is considered pre-existing. The term "pre-existing medical condition" generally refers to an injury, sickness, or other health condition that was present before a policy's effective date. Since most standard plans do not cover pre-existing medical conditions, the look-back period is used to determine your coverage eligibility in the event of a claim.
The look-back period typically ranges from 30 to 180 days, but it can vary depending on the insurance provider and policy. Policies with shorter look-back periods are often preferred by travellers as they reduce the risk of a pre-existing condition affecting their coverage eligibility. Conversely, longer look-back periods increase the likelihood of a lingering health issue being deemed pre-existing.
To qualify for a pre-existing condition waiver, travellers must typically meet specific criteria. These criteria may include purchasing the travel insurance policy within a certain timeframe after the initial trip deposit date, insuring 100% of prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses, and being medically stable at the time of purchasing the policy. Being medically stable means that there have been no changes, treatments, new medications, or medical advice that would reasonably prevent you from travelling.
It is important to carefully review the specific details of your travel insurance plan, including the look-back period and any applicable waivers, to ensure that you have the necessary coverage in place for any pre-existing medical conditions.
While travel insurance is essential for financial protection, it is also crucial to be aware of any limitations or exclusions in your policy. Understanding the look-back period and its implications can help travellers make informed decisions about their coverage needs and ensure they have adequate protection during their trip.
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What is covered by travel insurance?
Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind when it comes to unexpected circumstances during your trip. It can cover a range of situations, from medical emergencies to travel cancellations and lost baggage. Here's a detailed overview of what is typically covered by travel insurance:
Medical Emergencies
Travel medical insurance is designed to cover unexpected illnesses, injuries, or medical conditions that occur during your trip. It provides reimbursement for emergency medical treatments and can help with coordinating care and finding suitable medical facilities. This is especially important when travelling abroad, as your existing health insurance policy may not be accepted in other countries. Some comprehensive travel insurance plans also cover pre-existing medical conditions, but this requires meeting certain requirements and obtaining a pre-existing medical conditions waiver. It's important to carefully review the policy documents to understand what is covered and any exclusions.
Travel Cancellation and Interruption
Travel insurance can reimburse prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to covered reasons. These reasons typically include unexpected illnesses or injuries, hospitalization or death of a family member, weather issues, natural disasters, or legal obligations. "Cancel for Any Reason" policies offer broader coverage but usually reimburse a percentage of the trip cost.
Baggage Loss and Delay
Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage and personal items. It may also cover the cost of essential items you need to purchase if your bags are delayed. However, it's important to note that cash and expensive jewellery may not be covered under these policies.
Emergency Transportation and Evacuation
Travel insurance can provide coverage for emergency transportation to an adequate medical facility and, if necessary, repatriation services in the event of a person's death during the trip. Some plans offer a "hospital of choice" benefit, allowing you to choose your hospital, possibly for an additional cost.
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Travel insurance can provide coverage for beneficiaries in the event of accidental death during the trip or compensate the insured if they suffer accidental loss of a limb or eyesight.
It's important to carefully review the specific terms, conditions, and exclusions of your travel insurance policy to fully understand what is covered and any limitations. Costs can vary depending on the provider, your age, and the extent of coverage.
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What is travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits?
Travel insurance is an important purchase for anyone planning a trip, and it's especially crucial for those with pre-existing medical conditions. A pre-existing condition is typically defined as any illness, injury, or medical issue that was diagnosed, treated, or showed symptoms before the travel insurance policy went into effect. This includes chronic illnesses and recent diagnoses that may flare up during the trip.
Trip cancellation benefits are a feature of travel insurance that provides financial protection and peace of mind for travellers. This benefit is often included in comprehensive travel insurance policies and can also be purchased as a standalone policy. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses travellers for prepaid, non-refundable expenses if they need to cancel their trip due to unexpected events or covered reasons. Covered costs can include flights, hotels, cruises, tours, rental cars, and event tickets.
To be eligible for reimbursement, the reason for cancellation must be listed in the policy, and proof of the problem is usually required. Common acceptable reasons for trip cancellation include unforeseen medical emergencies, injuries, or deaths involving the insured, their travelling companion, or a family member. Other covered reasons may include inclement weather, natural disasters, travel advisories, and work-related issues.
It's important to note that trip cancellation insurance only applies to problems that occur before departure. If issues arise during the trip, travellers may need trip interruption insurance, which can compensate for missed portions of the trip or unexpected early returns.
When purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits, it's essential to carefully review the policy to understand the covered reasons for cancellation and any specific requirements or exclusions. Additionally, travellers with pre-existing medical conditions should pay close attention to the insurer's definition of pre-existing conditions and ensure they meet all the requirements for coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
A pre-existing medical condition is typically defined as any illness, injury, or medical condition that you were diagnosed with, treated for, or showed symptoms of before your travel insurance policy went into effect.
Yes, travel insurance is especially important if you have an existing health condition. While pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded from standard travel insurance plans, eligible travellers may qualify for a waiver that removes this exclusion.
Common examples of pre-existing medical conditions include asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer recurrence, lupus, and heart disease.
Some recommended travel insurance providers for those with pre-existing medical conditions include Allianz Global Assistance, Travel Guard, Seven Corners, Berkshire Hathaway, and WorldTrips.
